Instagram's head executive testified in court this week, defending the platform against claims of causing mental health damage to minors, while a US border chief announced an end to an immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Russia blocked WhatsApp and an AI safety researcher quit Anthropic with a warning about the state of the world. These events unfolded on February 12th, 2026, according to multiple news sources.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, testified in a California court, arguing that even extensive social media use does not equate to addiction, according to BBC Technology. This testimony is part of a landmark trial expected to last six weeks, aimed at holding tech firms accountable for the impact on young people. Lawyers for Meta, which owns Instagram, have been involved in the case.
In other news, Tom Homan, the US border security chief, announced that the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which led to mass detentions and protests, was coming to an end, as reported by Al Jazeera. Homan stated that Minnesota is now "less of a sanctuary state for criminals."
Russia blocked the messaging service WhatsApp, urging users to switch to a state-backed alternative, according to Al Jazeera. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attributed the move to WhatsApp's reluctance to comply with Russian law. This action is seen as a bid to clamp down on free speech amid the war in Ukraine.
Also, an AI safety researcher quit US firm Anthropic with a warning that the "world is in peril," according to BBC Business. Mrinank Sharma shared his resignation letter on X, citing concerns about AI, bioweapons, and the state of the wider world. He plans to pursue writing and poetry, and move back to the UK.
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